GRANADA, Spain: European leaders are set to convene at Spain’s Alhambra Palace on Thursday, a bastion of tranquillity, to address the mounting challenges gripping their continent. The rise of conflicts and political instability has sent shockwaves across nations and institutions, urging a collective response.
Notably absent from the gathering are Russia’s Vladimir Putin and Aleksander Lukashenko of Belarus, but nearly all other European leaders are anticipated to fly to southern Granada to evaluate the multiple wounds afflicting Europe in recent months and years.
“Crises are everywhere,” emphasized European Union foreign policy chief Josep Borrell on the eve of this significant gathering. One such crisis, stemming from the longstanding conflict between Azerbaijan and Armenia, was so recent that President Aliyev of Azerbaijan withdrew from the gathering at the eleventh hour. Hopes were high for a possible summit-within-the-summit to unite key players and mediators regarding Azerbaijan’s crisis with neighbouring Armenia.
The recent humanitarian tragedy involving around 100,000 Armenians fleeing Nagorno-Karabakh, a predominantly Armenian region in Azerbaijan, following a brutal military operation, deeply affected Europe. Omer Celik, spokesman for Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s party, explained that Aliyev’s absence was due to Ankara not being invited to participate in the meeting concerning Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Consequently, many leaders are expected to engage with Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan to express support for his government’s efforts in handling the humanitarian crisis and to attempt to pull Yerevan away from Moscow’s diplomatic influence. Pashinyan expressed regret over the missed opportunity for a breakthrough document signing during the summit in Granada.
Amidst these discussions, several notable leaders will be absent, including Erdogan, who had to prepare for his party’s extraordinary congress following a recent bombing near the Turkish parliament. The limited time available in Granada may constrain major breakthroughs, but the forum of the European Political Community remains a rare occasion for leaders of rival nations like Serbia and Kosovo to convene.
War and political instability will likely take center stage at a summit of European leaders in Spain https://t.co/htPPiANJUG
— Ben Sul (@bensul) October 4, 2023
Various European issues are expected to be raised during the day of talks in Spain, culminating in a royal dinner and a tour of the famed Moorish Alhambra Palace. The palace, known for its soothing architecture and peaceful ambiance, provides a fitting backdrop for these critical discussions.
One key focus will be Ukraine President Volodymyr Zelenskyy, who is expected to seek additional support and financial aid from Western allies, especially after funding for Ukraine’s war effort was left off a recent legislation passed by the US Congress. President Biden has reached out to other world powers, underlining the importance of coordinated support for Ukraine.
The forum in Granada, orchestrated by the 27-nation European Union, is in its third edition within a year and is aimed at keeping nations not yet ready for membership closely involved for cooperation in alternative ways. However, the European Union faces a dilemma regarding its growth and cohesion, particularly in accommodating nations aspiring for membership or a closer relationship without fundamentally altering its core functioning.
This crucial dilemma will take center stage on the second day of the summit, when EU leaders will engage in discussions exclusively among bloc members, grappling with the intricate balance of growth and stability within the European Union.
